Development of SPAD value-based linear models for non-destructive estimation of photosynthetic pigments in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Chlorophyll content in leaf which can be measured and expressed as SPAD values, is a good indicator of plant health. The present study aimed to develop linear models for studying relationship between SPAD values and spectrophotometrically determined chlorophylls and carotenoid contents in leaves of 468 wheat genotypes. The SPAD values were taken in the flag leaves at heading stage. Chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), total chlorophyll (total Chl) and total carotenoids (total Car) contents were assessed using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) extraction method. To estimate photosynthetic pigment content in leaves, SPAD value-based linear models were developed and Chla (Chlb = 0.0690 x SPAD Value - 1.082), Chla (Chlb =0.021 x SPAD Value 0.396), total Chl (Total chlorophyll = 0.090 x SPAD Value - 1.477) and total carotenoids (Total Carotenoids = 0.013 x SPAD Value 0.074) were estimated. The present study reports development of linear model for quantification of the photosynthetic pigment content in wheat leaves using chlorophyll meter.